This is International Moment of Laughter Day.

Because this is International Moment of Laughter Day, go ahead—chuckle, giggle, guffaw . . . let it out.

Everyone enjoys a good laugh, but people have differing senses of humor. Some people enjoy puns or word play. Others like physical humor or slapstick, watching someone fall down or get a pie in the face. For some, awkward situations, such as you see in TV situation comedies are humorous. And many enjoy jokes that tell a story and catch them by surprise. Regardless of the source of the humor, doctors report that laughter is good for our health.

So laughing, being happy, and having fun can be great. But you know what’s even better? Joy. Happiness, laughter, and fun can be superficial and hide problems and hurts. As Proverbs 14:13 reminds us, “Laughter can conceal a heavy heart; when the laughter ends, the grief remains.” But joy shines out from the inside. Laughter can only last for minutes, while joy can last a lifetime. Happiness depends on “happenings,” but joy comes from knowing that God loves us and that our future is secure in him.

No wonder Paul encouraged the Philippian believers to “always be full of joy in the Lord.”

So think again—what makes you laugh? And what brings you joy?

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! (Philippians 4:4).

To Do

Ask a parent, grandparent, or Sunday-school teacher to tell you a good joke. Also, memorize today’s verse, Philippians 4:4.

Also on this day . . .

This is National Pecan Day.

1853—Harriet Tubman began her underground railroad, helping slaves escape.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.